Evergreen Tree Costs (Price Guide)
In the United States, an evergreen tree may cost about $50–$150 for a 3–4-foot container-grown tree, $150–$400 for a 5–6-foot tree, or $300–$1,000 or more for a larger specimen. Delivery and planting can add $100–$500 or more. Your final cost depends on species, root-ball size, site access, and what the quote includes.
If you are choosing a tree for a valued landscape, price is only part of the decision. A tree that is too large for its site, planted too deep, or placed in wet soil can struggle after installation, putting your purchase at risk. I recommend budgeting for the tree, delivery, planting, and early care as separate items before you select a size.
The figures below are broad U.S. retail and installed-cost estimates, not fixed quotes. Local supply, labor rates, season, and site conditions can change them. Ask for an itemized price and compare trees of similar species, size, and root condition.
Evergreen Tree Prices, Sizes & What’s Included
These ranges are starting points for budgeting, not promises of a particular price. They describe the tree alone, before delivery, planting, tax, or establishment care. A quote should also identify the species, measured height, and whether the tree is container-grown or balled and burlapped.
| Tree size and type | Approximate tree-only price | What can affect the price |
|---|---|---|
| Container-grown, 3–4 ft | $50–$150 | Species, pot size, condition, and local supply |
| Container-grown, 5–6 ft | $150–$400 | Root volume, species, and availability |
| 6–8 ft or specimen tree | $300–$1,000+ | Root-ball size, handling needs, and scarcity |
Height alone does not show how much root material comes with a tree. A larger container or root ball may cost more and may require extra labor or equipment to move. Ask the seller for the container or root-ball dimensions, not just the tree’s height.
“Balled and burlapped” means the tree is dug with soil held around its roots, often wrapped for handling. It can be a good option, but it is heavier than many container trees and can raise delivery and planting costs. Container-grown trees vary too: check for a stable root ball and visible roots that do not circle tightly around it.
Also ask what the listed price includes. It may cover only the plant, or it may include loading, local delivery, planting, or a limited warranty. Get those details in writing. Two prices cannot be compared fairly until you know what each one covers.
For a first budget, use the tree-only range that fits your target size, then add delivery, planting, and care. A professionally planted 5–6-foot evergreen may total about $250–$900 or more, depending on the tree and site.
Site Assessment, Delivery & Planting Costs
Delivery and planting commonly add about $100–$500 or more to the tree price. The final amount depends on tree size, travel distance, access, digging conditions, and the work included. A site check before you order helps reveal extra costs and, more importantly, whether the tree is a sound fit.
Labor tends to rise when workers must carry a heavy root ball a long distance, work around steps or fences, or dig through compacted or rocky soil. Quotes may also change if the job requires staking, soil testing, irrigation work, or removal of an old tree. Ask which items are included and which are billed separately.
Before requesting quotes, write down:
- The species or a short list of suitable species.
- Desired height and the expected container or root-ball type.
- Number of trees and delivery address or distance.
- Gate width, slope, steps, and the route from the delivery point to the planting spot.
- Whether you want planting, staking, irrigation, removal, or aftercare included.
Next, check the planting area. Consider mature canopy width, sunlight, soil drainage, overhead lines, and room for roots. In the United States, contact 811 before digging to have underground utility lines marked. Local rules may also affect where you can plant near streets or property lines.
Ask each contractor to itemize the tree, delivery, planting labor, staking, extra materials, and any removal or irrigation work. Confirm the tree size and species in the quote. Request written terms for substitutions, delivery timing, warranty coverage, and the care you must provide to keep the warranty valid.
Species Selection, Planting Quality & Establishment Care
The right tree depends on more than its purchase price. Species must suit your local climate and site, while its mature size must fit the available space. Poor drainage or limited root room can undermine a planting even when the tree itself is healthy and the price seems reasonable.
Compare species that grow well in your area, then check expected mature height and width with a local nursery, extension service, or qualified arborist. Consider sun exposure and soil moisture too. “Evergreen” describes trees that keep foliage through the year; it does not mean every evergreen thrives in the same conditions.
At planting, the root flare is the point where the trunk widens into the main roots. It should sit at, or slightly above, the finished soil grade. If it is buried, the trunk base and roots may remain too wet or lack healthy growing conditions. Correct planting depth and drainage before installation rather than trying to solve a planting problem with extra water or fertilizer.
A sound planting plan should also address root packaging. Ask the installer how restrictive wrapping, ties, or containers will be handled. Backfill with the site soil unless a soil test supports a specific amendment. Water the root ball thoroughly after planting, and use mulch to cover the soil without piling it against the trunk.
Establishment care is an additional cost in time and possibly water or irrigation supplies. Water according to soil moisture and weather, rather than following a rigid schedule regardless of conditions. Check for settling, exposed roots, and drying. Ask the seller or installer for care instructions suited to the species and your site.
Warranties, Seasonal Buying & Long-Term Costs
A warranty can reduce risk, but it does not replace good tree selection or correct planting. Terms differ, so read what is covered, how long coverage lasts, and what care you must provide. Buying at a lower price is not necessarily better value if delivery, planting, or replacement terms are unclear.
Ask whether coverage applies to the tree itself, the planting labor, or both. Check for exclusions related to drought, flooding, pests, neglect, or damage after installation. Keep the invoice and any care instructions, and take a photo of the tree and planting area when the work is complete.
Seasonal availability affects which sizes and species a nursery has in stock. It can also affect delivery schedules. Rather than assuming one season always has the lowest price, ask local sellers when the tree you want is available and whether the quoted price includes delivery on your preferred date.
Beyond the initial purchase, plan for watering and routine monitoring during establishment. Some sites may need irrigation changes or professional follow-up; others may not. Ask for a separate estimate if those services are proposed, so you can distinguish essential work from optional services.
Example budgets for common projects
These scenarios illustrate how the stated ranges can combine. They are planning examples, not records of actual installations or guaranteed local prices.
| Example project | Tree | Delivery and planting | Estimated initial total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 3–4 ft container-grown tree, straightforward access | $50–$150 | $100–$300 | $150–$450 |
| One 5–6 ft evergreen, professionally planted | $150–$400 | $100–$500+ | $250–$900+ |
| One 6–8 ft specimen with difficult access | $300–$1,000+ | $300–$500+ or more | $600–$1,500+ or more |
The upper example reflects that a large tree may need extra handling. A contractor must inspect the site to price access and labor accurately. None of these totals includes ongoing watering or optional irrigation work.
How to Get and Compare a Reliable Quote
A useful quote makes the tree and the work easy to identify. It should state the species, height, root type or dimensions, delivery charge, planting tasks, warranty terms, and aftercare responsibilities. Without these details, a low bid may leave out work that another quote includes.
Use this sequence:
- Define the project. Choose a suitable species or ask for options, set a target size, and decide how many trees you need.
- Check the site. Confirm space, sunlight, drainage, access, utilities, and any local planting rules.
- Request itemized bids. Ask at least two providers to price the same tree size and scope when possible.
- Confirm planting details. Ask how the installer will set the root flare, address root packaging, backfill, water, and apply mulch.
- Review closeout terms. Confirm the warranty, care requirements, delivery date, and who is responsible for watering.
In my work with trees, I have seen how a planting detail can matter as much as the purchase decision. A buried root flare or poorly drained planting hole can lead to long-term decline. Ask the installer to show you the flare before the hole is backfilled and to explain how the site’s drainage will be handled.
Conclusion
For a practical starting budget, expect roughly $50–$150 for a 3–4-foot evergreen, $150–$400 for a 5–6-foot tree, and $300–$1,000 or more for a larger specimen, before delivery and planting. Those services may add $100–$500 or more. Match quotes by species, root size, site work, and warranty, then confirm proper planting depth and drainage.
Evergreen Tree Cost FAQs
These short answers explain the main price questions homeowners ask before buying and planting an evergreen. Treat the figures as broad U.S. estimates, since local labor, nursery supply, tree size, and site access can change a quote.
How much does an evergreen tree cost?
A 3–4-foot container-grown tree may cost $50–$150, a 5–6-foot tree $150–$400, and a larger specimen $300–$1,000 or more. These are tree-only estimates.
How much does it cost to have an evergreen planted?
Delivery and planting commonly add about $100–$500 or more. Tree size, travel distance, digging conditions, and access affect the price.
What is the total cost for a professionally planted 5–6-foot evergreen?
A common planning range is about $250–$900 or more, including the tree and basic delivery and planting. Ask for a site-specific written quote.
Does tree height determine the price?
No. Species, root-ball or container size, tree condition, supply, and handling needs also matter. Compare those details, not height alone.
Are container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees cheaper?
There is no reliable rule that one type always costs less. Compare the full price and root dimensions, and ask whether delivery or handling differs.
Can delivery be a separate charge?
Yes. Ask whether delivery is included, how far the fee covers, and whether difficult access or special handling costs extra.
What should a tree-planting quote include?
It should name the species and size, describe the root type, and itemize delivery, planting, staking, extra work, warranty, and care terms.
Does the quoted price include watering after planting?
Not always. Watering and other establishment care are often the homeowner’s responsibility or an added service. Confirm care instructions and warranty conditions.
When should I buy an evergreen tree?
Availability varies by species and nursery. Ask local sellers when the tree you want is in stock and whether timing affects delivery or price.
What planting issue can undermine the purchase?
A root flare buried below grade or a root ball placed in poorly drained soil can contribute to decline. Confirm planting depth and drainage before installation.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Nathan Pierce. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
